How Billionaires Created a Culture War to Sell School Vouchers w/ Josh Cowen

Straight White American Jesus

In this episode, Brad Onishi interviews Dr. Joshua Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University, on the controversial issue of school vouchers in the US. They discuss the historical context of the voucher movement, tracing it back to economist Milton Friedman and its intersection with the Brown v. Board decision. The dialogue highlights the ideological motivations behind vouchers, linking them to conservative Christian nationalism and libertarian views on government regulation. Dr. Cowen offers a critical analysis of recent voucher programs in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C., presenting evidence of their negative effects on academic outcomes. The conversation also delves into the cultural and political forces driving the voucher agenda, especially during the Trump administration, emphasizing the shift from evidence-based arguments to ideological ones.

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00:00 Introduction to Christian Nationalism and Education

00:41 Interview with Dr. Joshua Cowen

02:42 The Origins of the Voucher Movement

04:32 Libertarianism and Religious Right in Education

12:17 Voucher Programs and Their Impact

16:04 The Shift from Evidence to Ideology

25:10 The Rise of Culture Wars in Education

41:25 Hope and Future Directions in Education Policy

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